Custom Truck Tarps for a Variety of Uses, Hopper Augers, Electric Combine Hopper Covers

Michel’s Industries manufactured its first custom truck tarp back in 1969. Since then their line of custom truck tarps has expanded to include Side Rolling (PVC) and Gravel Body systems (Mesh,PVC,Neoprene,Canvas), Electric Grain Body,  Gravel Body and Potato Bed  systems. In addition to truck tarp systems, Michel’s has developed a hopper auger system to aide in unloading semi trailers.
Michel’s Industries, Ltd. located at St. Gregor, Saskatchewan was incorporated on August 23, 1971.  Walter Michel founded the company in 1969, doing business directly from his farm located south of St. Gregor, Saskatchewan.
In late 1969, a small building was purchased for the manufacture of the “Fold-Away” truck tarp.  On October 27, 1978, the former “Prairie Built Window’s” building was purchased.  This building consisted of a 50’ x 125’ steel building connected to the well- known “Silver Dome”. It was here that the “Sidewinder” was developed and manufactured, along with windows for the housing industry.  

Electric Side-Rolling Tarp System

In 1989 a new electric side-rolling tarp system was developed and put on the market called the “Electra”.  This truck tarp system could be operated using a switch in the truck cab.  Upon development of the electric tarp system for grain bodies, the “Electra”  was redesigned to accommodate the potato industry “Spud Cover”, and put on display at a trade show in Charlottetown, P.E.I.   In 2009/2010 a wireless remote was incorporated into the Electric Side-Rill Tarp System.

Hopper Auger

In the early 1990’s an unloading auger system was developed for attaching to the hoppers on the semi trailers’  hoppers This system aided the farmer in loading their air-seeder  and as a transfer auger in the fall.
On June 8, 1993, the “Silver Dome” was demolished, ceasing the manufacture of windows, and was replaced by a steel building to handle expansion of the Michel’s truck tarp, and auger divisions.  A 6250 sq. ft. manufacturing area and office space of 1250 sq. ft. were added.  By this time Michel’s employed 15 people from the surrounding area.  In 2007, Michel's Industries began manufacturing the lightweight "Aluminum Hopper Augers".

Tarps for Gravel and Dump Trucks 

Michel’s recognized the opportunity to address the needs of the gravel industry as a new potential market area.    New styles of tarp systems were developed, specific to the gravel industry “ECONO Flip Tarp”, “ULTRA Flip Tarp”, "DURA-Flip Tarp", "AIR-Flip Tarp" and the “Gravel Guard”. 
In September 2001 another new side-rolling tarp system called the “Maximizer” was developed.  This tarp system allowed the customers to heap their load above the cross-members.  In early 2002, the “Load-Loc” side-rolling tarp system was developed  using a  more economical tension control devise.   

Quick Draw and Side-Kick Tarp Systems Added to the Product Line 

In 2004, Michel’s Industries, Ltd. became a distributor for the Demonte “Quick Draw” Tarp system, designed for covering flatbed trailers.  As well as becoming distributor for the “Quick Draw”, Michel’s also became distributor Aero Industries “Side Kick”, a tarpaulin system for side dump trailers. 

Combine Hopper Cover 

In 2005 Michel’s Industries designed an electric combine hopper cover “Harvest Pro-Tech” which enables the farmers to cover their combine hopper, in the field, when there are signs of inclement weather.

Today, Michel’s Industries, Ltd., manufactures a wide variety of tarpaulins including boat covers, snowmobile covers, etc., and numerous repairs.  Michel’s Industries, Ltd has expanded from an 800 sq. ft. building to a 30,000 sq ft. facility. The business presently employs approximately 70 full time staff.  With the founder Walter Michel passing, the business was passed down to his two sons, Bud and Ron Michel.